A new report detailing the outcomes of the National Environmental Services Survey paints a concerning picture of the future of water resources around the world.
The survey – run in association with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork, and ESS Expo (Environmental Services and Solutions Expo) – polled nearly 1,500 environmental sector professionals across the UK and reveals a deep and shared concern about the threats facing our freshwater supplies.
River pollution: The most alarming finding is that 100% of respondents from the water sector expressed concerns about pollution in rivers. This highlights the critical need for stricter regulations and improved water treatment practices. Polluted rivers threaten not only the health of aquatic ecosystems but also the quality of our drinking water. Urgent action is required to safeguard these vital resources.
Climate change threat: Nearly all (99%) of the surveyed professionals believe climate change will significantly impact water resource management. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns associated with climate change are expected to lead to increased droughts and water scarcity in many regions. This underscores the potential disruption to established water management systems and the need for adaptation strategies.
Droughts as a major challenge: A staggering 19 out of 20 respondents anticipate that droughts will become a major challenge in managing water resources. This widespread concern underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies. These strategies should promote conservation efforts and encourage responsible water use by both individuals and industries. By implementing such measures, we can mitigate the impact of droughts and ensure a more secure water future.
Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, said:
“Water is the lifeblood of our planet. It sustains every ecosystem and is fundamental to human health and well-being. With this in mind, the survey findings are deeply worrying. The unanimous concern around river pollution highlights a critical need for stronger regulations and improved water treatment practices. We simply cannot afford to let our freshwater sources become contaminated.
“Equally alarming is the near-unanimous belief that climate change and droughts will significantly impact water resource management. These factors threaten to disrupt established systems and create water scarcity in many regions. It’s a stark reminder that we need to adapt and innovate.
“The good news is that the environmental services industry is brimming with solutions. From advanced filtration technologies to sustainable water management strategies, we have the tools to address these challenges. As the leading platform for environmental services, ESS Expo is committed to bringing these solutions to the forefront and fostering collaboration to ensure a secure water future for generations to come.”
The survey gathered data from 1,498 professionals from across the environmental services industry from April-May 2024. Download the full report for free on the ESS Expo website here.
To register to attend ESS Expo 2024 from 11-12 September at the NEC, Birmingham, visit the website here.
